Airport Fire burns 23,140 acres; 5% contained; 12 injuries reported

The woman who is being transported in photo 3: https://youtu.be/K8KIlATPH1k

5pm UPDATE: Wednedsay, Sept. 11, there have been 23,140 acres charred, including an undisclosed number of homes, buildings, cars, etc. Ten firefighters have been reported injured, while two citizens were reported to be transported. One woman was transported with burns, and another resident had a medical emergency.

The fire burned through Decker Canyon, including the memorial for the firefighters who lost their lives during the the 1959 Decker Fire. It was a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of six firefighters. These firefighters were overrun by the fire while battling the blaze. The fire started near Decker Canyon and is remembered as one of the most devastating wildfires in the region's history due to the loss of life among the firefighting crew.

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UPDATE: As of Wednesday morning, the Airport Fire has burned 22,376 acres in Orange and Riverside Counties with zero containment. There have been five firefighter injuries and two civilians reported injured.

According to Cal Fire, "The fire continues to spread with the southeastern fronts showing the most growth.  The fire made several significant runs at the Santiago Peak communications array this morning. The fire has crossed Ortega Highway and is actively impinging upon structures in the area. As of this posting, it is unknown how many, or to what extent. Over 10,000 structures are in danger."

"Over 1000 firefighters are on the ground, according to Orange County Fire Authority PIO Holaday."

Firefightersm along with helicopters and airtankers, continue to engage the fire on all sides to limit the lateral spread,  Additional resources are in neighborhoods and communities, providing defense of residential and commercial structures," according to CAL FIRE.

There are 126 Engines, 8 Water Tenders, 7 Helicopters, 6 Dozers, 7 Hand Crews, and a total personnel of 629 fighting the Airport Fire.

"Additional firefighting resource requests are being made to partner agencies around the state.  However, resource availability is strained due to the other active fires in the Southern California area," reported Cal Fire.

The Airport Fire started near Rancho Santa Margarita and is believed to have sparked when Orange County Public Works crews were putting boulders in place to prevent access to vegetation when a spark from the equipment started the fire and spread uncontrollably soon after, said Deputy ChiefTJ McGovern of the Orange County Fire Authority, who investigated the incident.

The coorperating agencies include: Cal Fire, Orange County Fire Authority, CHP, Orange County Sheriff, US Forest Servce, Orange County Parks, Califormia State Parks, Orange County Animal Control.

Lake Elsinore schools, Menifee Union School District, Romoland School District, and Perris Union High School District have announced that schools will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, due to unhealthy air quality caused by ongoing fires in Orange and Riverside counties. Santa Rosa Academy and Bear River Academy will also be closed.

The Airport Fire has burned 22,376 acres in Orange, and Riverside counties with zero containment. It started to encroach on Lakeland Village neighborhood Tuesday night 9/10/24. Valley News /Brian Briggs photo

Monday night UPDATE:

The Airport fire is currently threatening Lakeland Village. Overr 19000 acres have been reported burned.

Evacuations should be recognized immediately.

It has been reported by residents that El Cariso Village and Lookout Restaurant have been burned, although Valley News has not been able to verify this and at least one firefighter has been transported with burns over 30% of her body.

On Monday, two firefighters suffered heat-related injuries. By Wednesday five firefighter injuries were reported and two civilian injuries.

Following the Orange County Board of Supervisors' declaration of a local state of emergency in response to the Airport Fire on Tuesday, six Southern California lawmakers called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a similar state of emergency at the state level. In a letter sent Tuesday afternoon, Representatives Young Kim (R-Anaheim Hills), Ken Calvert (R-Corona), Lou Correa (D-Anaheim), Michelle Steel (R-Seal Beach), Mike Levin (D-San Juan Capistrano), and Katie Porter (D-Irvine) stated that a state of emergency for Orange and Riverside counties would enable faster access to federal assistance for the affected areas.

About 700 fire personnel were battling the blaze Monday, aided by aircraft that have been making water drops continuously since the fire broke out.

The fire has jumped Ortega Hwy. Evacuations have been ordered and are an order by law enforcement to leave immediately. The area is lawfully closed to public access.

Evacuation Orders have been issued for the following zones:

Orange County:

Zones: ELC01, RSM03, ORT01.

Riverside County:

Zones: LSN-1524, LSN-1525, LSN-1526, LSN-1623, LSN-1624, LSN-1625, LSN-1626, LSN-1627, LSN-1799, LSN-1803, RVC-1622, RVC-1724, RVC-1726, RVC-1728, RVC-1729, RVC-1800, RVC-1801, RVC-1804, RVC-1806, RVC-1807, RVC-1808, RVC-1809, RVC-1810, RVC-1867, RVC-1868, RVC-1870, RVC-1936, RVC-1521, RVC-1725, RVC-1798, RVC-1865, RVC-1866, RVC-1933, RVC-1934, RVC-1935, RVC-1999, RVC-2074, RVC-2142, RVC-2143, RVC-1802, RVC-2000, RVC-2075, RVC-2144, RVC-2197, RVC-2243

North of San Diego/Riverside County Line, South of Orange County Line, East of Orange County Line, West of S Main Divide/Grand Ave

Evacuation Warnings

Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following zones:

Orange County:

Zones: CDC01, CDC02, MOD01, RSM01, RSM02, SIL01, TBU01

Riverside County:

Zones: RVC-2076, RVC-2145, RVC-2147, RVC-2245, RVC-2077, RVC-2146, RVC-2244, RVC-1265, RVC-1269, RVC-1396, RVC-1398, RVC-1400, RVC-1402, RVC-1405, RVC-1523, RVC-1267, RVC-1395, RVC-1397, RVC-1399, RVC-1401, RVC-1404, RVC-1522, RVC-1153-A

Temporary Evacuation Site

Riverside County:

CARE AND RECEPTION SHELTER(S):

Temescal Canyon High School: 28755 El Toro Road, Lake Elsinore, CA

Santiago High School: 1395 E Foothill Pkwy, Corona, CA

An additional Evacuation Shelter is open at Temescal Canyon High School in the big gym located at 28755 El Toro Rd, Lake Elsinore, CA. The site is equipped with cots, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, water, snacks, and welcoming staff.

ANIMAL SHELTERS:

Jurupa Valley Animal Shelter: 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA

An additional Large Animal Shelter is available at the Murrieta Equestrian Center located at 42670 Juniper St, Murrieta, CA. Basic food and water are available at animal shelters. If your pets/animals have special diets or special needs, please bring special food or medications with your animals.

Riverside County residents needing assistance with large animal evacuations can call (951) 358-7387.

Orange County:

CARE AND RECEPTION SHELTER(S):

RSM Bell Tower Community Center: 22232 El Paseo;  Rancho Santa Margarita, CA  (Open 24 Hours)

LARGE ANIMAL SHELTERS:

Orange County Fairgrounds: 88 Fair Drive;  Costa Mesa, CA

Los Alamitos Race Course: 4961 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA

Nohl Ranch Saddle Club: 6352 E. Nohl Ranch Rd. Anaheim, CA

  ANIMAL SERVICES:

Ralph's Supermarket Parking Lot: 31841 Santa Margarita Parkway;  RSM, CA

OC Animal Care: 1630 Victory Road;  Tustin, CA

Road Closures

Plano Trabuco / Joshua Drive

Santa Margarita Parkway / Antonio Parkway

Plano Trabuco / Robinson Ranch

Avenida Empressa / Santa Margarita Parkway

Antonio Parkway / Alas de Paz

Trabuco Canyon / Trabuco Creek

Santiago Canyon Road

Live Oak Canyon Road

Ortega Highway (east of Quarry to Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore)

Tuesday morning UPDATE__________________________________________

Airport Fire (Trabuco Canyon)

The Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon has grown to 19000 acres and remains 0% contained. This fire broke out around 1 p.m. Monday near a remote-controlled airplane site on Trabuco Creek Road and rapidly spread, burning through more than 5,400 acres within hours. The fire is threatening the Rancho Santa Margarita area, prompting evacuation orders and warnings for thousands of residents. Around 700 firefighters, along with helicopters and aircraft, have been deployed to fight the blaze. Two firefighters and one civilian have been hospitalized due to heat and smoke-related injuries.

Evacuation warnings have been issued for areas near Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, and other nearby streets. Mandatory evacuations include homes in the Robinson Ranch HOA, Trabuco Highlands HOA, and the Trabuco Highland Apartment Complex. Numerous road closures are in place, and shelters have been set up at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center in Rancho Santa Margarita and Santiago High School in Corona.

As of Tuesday morning, the Roblar Fire is 20% contained but still throwing some smoke and ash in the air and the Airport Fire in Orange County is spilling ash and smoke over Southwest Riverside County and northern San Diego County. 

As of Tuesday morning, the Ortega Hwy is closed in both directions as a result of the Airport Fire. 

Riverside County Impact and School Closures

The smoke from the Airport Fire has caused significant impacts in Riverside County. Evacuation warnings have been issued for various zones, including areas north of Main Divide Road and near Ortega Highway. The Lake Elsinore Unified School District has closed all schools on Tuesday due to poor air quality from the smoke and ash. Residents in the area, including as far south as Fallbrook, have reported ash falling from the fire.

These fires continue to threaten communities, and residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay informed as conditions evolve.

Line Fire (San Bernardino County)

The Line Fire, the largest of the three, is burning in San Bernardino County and started Thursday evening near Base Line and Aplin streets in Highland. It quickly spread and now covers 26,426 acres, with only 5% containment. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze as it threatens more communities.

Bridge Fire (Angeles National Forest)

Further away, the Bridge Fire continues to burn in the Angeles National Forest and remains 0% contained. It started Sunday evening and has grown to 2,996 acres. Firefighters are actively working to control the flames, but challenging conditions persist.

Roblar Fire (Camp Pendleton)

The Roblar Fire, burning near Case Springs Road on Camp Pendleton, has grown to 950 acres as of 7 a.m. Tuesday and is 20% contained. The fire started on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 2:55 p.m. in the Zulu Impact area of Camp Pendleton, according to CAL FIRE.

Rice 2 Fire (San Diego County)

The Rice 2 Fire, located at 35569 Rice Canyon Rd. was first reported on Sunday evening and  spread to 20 acres. Forward progression was stopped around midnight Sunday and firefighters made significant progress overnight and reached 100% containment by Monday evening, 

While the cause is still under investigation, a local homeowner reported hearing a loud pop, leading to speculation that the fire may have been started by a transformer.